MIT closes DEI office as Trump administration targets Harvard funding

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has made the decision to shut down its diversity, equity, and inclusion office after a thorough assessment that began nearly a year and a half ago. MIT President Sally Kornbluth announced the closure of the Institute Community and Equity Office (ICEO) last Thursday, emphasizing the importance of attracting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and creating a welcoming environment for everyone at MIT.

In a memo titled “How we support our community,” Kornbluth outlined the university’s top priorities, including the winding down of the central ICEO. This decision follows a comprehensive assessment of the Institute that began 18 months ago. The ICEO, which focused on promoting MIT’s values and increasing diversity through various programs and practices, will be phased out as part of this process.

Additionally, MIT will be eliminating the role of vice president for equity and inclusion, as confirmed by Kornbluth. This move comes shortly after MIT became the first university in its class to eliminate diversity pledges in its hiring and admissions processes, a decision criticized by free speech advocates as imposing ideological litmus tests.

The university’s decision to close the ICEO and streamline its DEI infrastructure is not related to the ongoing disputes between the Trump administration and Harvard University. Harvard recently faced pressure from the administration to forfeit $100 million in federal contracts due to its handling of foreign student enrollment and alleged race-based admissions practices.

While Harvard has been embroiled in these controversies, MIT has been quietly scaling back its DEI initiatives over time. The university spokesperson emphasized that there is no connection between Harvard’s challenges and the decision to sunset the ICEO.

In conclusion, MIT’s focus on talent acquisition and creating an inclusive environment remains a top priority, even as it undergoes changes in its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The university continues to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of its diverse community while staying true to its core values.

Kyle Schmidbauer, a production assistant for Fox News Digital and a graduate of Montclair State University, provided insights into the evolving landscape of diversity and inclusion at MIT in this article.